Fain would I spend and be spent for the good of souls. This is my meat and drink. The Lord bless you and yours! I can no more, but only subscribe myself, my very dear friend,
Yours most affectionately in our common Lord,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCCXXXVI. To the Reverend Mr. Z.
Wakefield, Nov. 3, 1752.
Reverend and very dear Sir,
I Have been upwards of three weeks out of Scotland, but scarce ever had more encouragement in preaching the everlasting gospel, since the Lord of the harvest was pleased to send me forth into the harvest. At Newcastle, Sunderland, and several places in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, thousands and thousands have daily attended on the word preached. The glorious Emmanuel caused life and power to follow it, and I hear that the arrows have stuck fast in many hearts. The stir hath been so great at Leeds, that at the desire of friends, I am returning thither again. From thence I shall go to York, and several places in Lincolnshire, and am to preach at Sheffield next Lord's day. My return to London must be determined by the weather. It hath been uncommonly favourable, and methinks it is pity to go into Winter quarters, so long as work can be done in the fields.—O that I had as many tongues, as there are hairs upon my head! The ever-loving, ever-lovely Jesus should have them all. Be so good, honoured Sir, to pray that he may not turn me out of his service, but employ me as a poor pilgrim till I die. Fain would I die preaching.—I hear that Mr. H is gone. The Lord Jesus quicken my tardy pace, and prepare me to follow! I know you say Amen in my behalf, and thereby add to the obligations you have already laid upon, honoured and dear Sir,
Your most affectionate, though unworthy son
and servant in the glorious gospel,
G. W.
